Differentiation: Mix It Up!

Not simply a recipe for teaching.

Differentiation: Mix It Up!

Not simply a recipe for teaching.

How Do We Challenge and Meet the Learning Needs of Our Gifted/High Ability Students?

This is our 3rd Differentiated Instruction Newsletter for the year! While one of the main purposes of these newsletters is for teachers of our gifted/high ability learners, the information is for ALL STUDENTS! It may just need tweaked a bit (as it does even for our top performing/ability students :)) One of the keys to success for differentiating instruction for all learners (not just gifted and high ability :)) is to PRETEST before teaching each new concept, unit, chapter, skill, etc... Find out what your students already KNOW. Results then become your road MAP of: Tier Grouping, Projects, What to Eliminate, What to Add/Expand, What Technology, etc...

In this copy of our Differentiated Instruction Newsletter (D.I.N.), you will receive:

Samples, web links, and descriptions of THREE of the top differentiation strategies suggested by years of research. Just choose ONE and try it! If you would like me to come to you and assist/help in any way, let me know.

Tic-Tac-Toe or Choice Board

My Favorite! This strategy can be made generic, easily adaptable to change with your topics. Students LOVE this! WHO doesn't like to choose? Right:)

Definition- A collection of activities a student can choose from presented in the form of a 3x3, 4x4, etc.. grid based on your students' needs.

I can e-mail you specific forms/examples.

Socratic Circles

Turns most of the guidance of the conversation and the ownership of the material over to the students...Gives students a chance to talk, share their opinion, take ownership of their learning! Very engaging strategy!

Definition-A discussion of an essential question where student opinions are shared, proven, refuted, and refined with other students.

I can e-mail you specific forms/examples.

Curriculum Compacting

This one is a little scary, questionable to a lot of us. However, if it was us or our own child, it would make perfect sense and we would rejoice over the opportunity. Just a nugget to think about it. :)

I have all of the material/resources if you are interested in trying:) Just let me know.

Definition-Students reach mastery level of unit, chapter, etc... through the pre-test and "compact out" of those lessons to study an area of interest, more depth and/or breadth to other lessons, etc...

I can e-mail you specific forms/examples.

Tic-Tac-Toe or Choice Board

My Favorite! This strategy can be made generic, easily adaptable to change with your topics. Students LOVE this! WHO doesn't like to choose? Right:)

Definition- A collection of activities a student can choose from presented in the form of a 3x3, 4x4, etc.. grid based on your students' needs.

I can e-mail you specific forms/examples.

Socratic Circles

Turns most of the guidance of the conversation and the ownership of the material over to the students...Gives students a chance to talk, share their opinion, take ownership of their learning! Very engaging strategy!

Definition-A discussion of an essential question where student opinions are shared, proven, refuted, and refined with other students.

I can e-mail you specific forms/examples.

Curriculum Compacting

This one is a little scary, questionable to a lot of us. However, if it was us or our own child, it would make perfect sense and we would rejoice over the opportunity. Just a nugget to think about it. :)

I have all of the material/resources if you are interested in trying:) Just let me know.

Definition-Students reach mastery level of unit, chapter, etc... through the pre-test and "compact out" of those lessons to study an area of interest, more depth and/or breadth to other lessons, etc...

I can e-mail you specific forms/examples.

SAMPLES in PDF, Formats for you to use now!

Click the links below to see books and websites available for elementary and secondary teachers. (Filled with great ideas)